Mark 9:1 - Witnesses to the Kingdom

Mark 9:1
And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

Message: Witnesses to the Kingdom

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface-  Mark continues to be a book of action. Thus far, the messages have been "repent and believe" and "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me." Interspersed is lots of examples of Jesus healing, casting out demons, and teaching his disciples about the power of God. Along the way, the Pharisees and Scribes question his mission as it is contrary to the traditions they know. Jesus is concerned of the heart. He desires to teach and preach.


Prior to verse 1 of chapter 9 Jesus has remarked to his disciples and the multitude that to follow Him transcends their old school and old self way of thinking. And the end of chapter 8 speaks of an entire life and how Jesus will see a person's life.

This is a puzzling verse as it says that some of them will not die before the seeing the kingdom of God come in power. It is believed by many that this verse belongs in chapter 8 and the division of chapters should have come after this verse.

Yet, there is discussion among scholars as to what event here is being spoken about. Mark 8:38 was about Jesus' coming, but it was also about God's power, a common theme in the book. Here, the verse is speaking of the kingdom of God coming in power before the death of the disciples or within 50 years of Jesus' words. Many have thought it was the transfiguration, an event that would however occur in less than 10 days from these words. More likely, is it referred to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70 when the Roman general conquered the City. That event was a prelude of the destruction and end of the world.

Summary - Jesus continues a message following his Return to letting his disciples know that before many of them die the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed (see the Kingdom of God; an allusion to the end of the world).

Promise: The Kingdom of God will come in power in the 1st century.

Prayer: Lord, I'm not completely sure I understand this text, but I understand that your power is being mentioned and it is that power that I need to trust in and believe in. I can trust in You even as it goes beyond my understanding. My understanding of things is not always necessary. Your purposes continue to be more my good. Help me to depend on You more each day.